Program includes care coordinators aligned with Cigna case managers

ARLINGTON, Texas, February 03, 2014 - Cigna (NYSE: CI), Texas Health Resources and Texas Health Physicians Group (THPG) have launched a collaborative accountable care initiative to improve patient access to health care, enhance care coordination and achieve the "triple aim" of improved health, affordability and patient experience. The program, effective January 1, is Cigna's fifth accountable care initiative in North Texas. The ultimate goal of the collaboration is to enhance the overall well-being of the population through a coordinated approach to all aspects of health.

"THPG's physicians and clinical team already deliver quality, patient-centered care that helps our patients live healthy and productive lives," said Shawn Parsley, D.O., president of Texas Health Physicians Group. "We're pleased to join Cigna in this partnership because the addition of immediate access to care coordinators will provide our patients with the resources they need to manage and improve their chronic conditions."

This collaborative approach is aimed at accomplishing the same population health goals as accountable care organizations (ACOs). It will benefit more than 17,000 individuals covered by a Cigna health plan who receive care from approximately 250 THPG primary care physicians. Patients who currently receive care from a THPG primary care physician will automatically receive the benefits of the program. Program benefits also will be available to any future Cigna customers who get care from a THPG primary care physician.

"Cigna has a strong track record of collaborating with North Texas physician practices to reshape the health care delivery system," said LaMonte Thomas, Cigna's president and general manager for North Texas and Oklahoma. "We believe that when we reward doctors for results, rather than for volume of care, we're helping to create a health care system that produces value for patients, physicians and employers."

Under the program, THPG physicians will monitor and coordinate all aspects of an individual's medical care to proactively manage interventions and improve overall well-being. Critical to the program's benefits are care coordinators who help patients with chronic conditions or other health challenges navigate the health care system. The care coordinators are aligned with a team of Cigna case managers to ensure a high degree of collaboration between the physicians and Cigna; this will ultimately provide a better experience for the individual.

About Texas Health Physicians Group

Texas Health Physicians Group is Texas Health Resources' 501(a) not-for-profit physician organization based in Arlington. The group includes more than 800 physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and medical professionals dedicated to providing safe, quality care for our patients. In addition to our primary and specialty practices, the organization's network includes sleep lab services, infusion services, and diagnostic imaging in more than 230 locations in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Johnson, Parker and Tarrant counties. Physicians employed by Texas Health Physicians Group practice independently and are not employees of the hospital, Texas Health Resources or Cigna.

About Texas Health Resources

Texas Health Resources is one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit health systems in the United States. The health system includes 25 acute care and short-stay hospitals that are owned, operated, joint-ventured or affiliated with Texas Health Resources. It includes the Texas Health Presbyterian, Texas Health Arlington Memorial, Texas Health Harris Methodist and Texas Health Huguley Hospitals, Texas Health Physicians Group, outpatient facilities, behavioral health and home health, preventive and fitness services, and an organization for medical research and education. For more information about Texas Health Resources, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit TexasHealth.org.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has approximately 80 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

Employment with Cigna, including employment within the LDP program, is at-will; that is, it is not for a specified period of time and can be terminated at any time for any reason, with or without cause or notice, by me or by Cigna. LDP programs, policies and processes may be changed by Cigna at any time.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com. Cigna does not control the linked sites' content or links. Details